General Questions

Where can I find the location of the event I am attending?

What Is the Test and Praxis Lab/Tutoring?

Tutoring is an option that is available for the NAC course. It provides students with additional help on the test and praxis. Tutoring is offered at all of the live events on Saturday and Sunday Evenings after class. Students who pre-register for tutoring and come prepared are usually able to finish their Test and Praxis during the weekend and leave having earned your certificate. Tutoring is also offered through Distance Learning.

I lost my certificate. How can I get another copy?

How long will it take for my NAC test/Praxis to be graded?

Regular grading takes 2-3 weeks from when a file arrives and is checked into the office.

Expedited grading is available and takes 24-48 hours for grading once a file arrives and is checked into the office. Once a passing grade is received, certificates are issued within 24-48 hours.Registration for Expedited grading

How can I register for expedited grading?

Expedited Grading Instructions:1. Register for Expedited Grading2. Print Receipt3. Place Your Receipt Inside your package4. Write "Expedited Grading" on the outside of your package. 5. Call our office at (602) 476-1422 to find out what address to mail your package to. (The shipping address will be given based on when you estimate it will arrive.)6. Mail your package and get a tracking number. Keep that tracking number for your records. 7. Be patient allow the office to process your package.

What If I am unable to attend the event I registered for?

Registration fees are non-refundable. If it is more than 3 weeks before the event, you may email our office and request to be switched to another event or Distance Learning. If it is within 3 weeks of the event you are registered for, a $75 switch fee will apply.

Please include the following in all emails to our office:NameEvent you are registered forPhone numberYour request or question

My deadline is coming up and I need more time, can I get an extension?

If you need additional time to completeing your paperwork you can file for an extension on the website prior to your due date.

How will I be notified when I pass my course?

Once your paperwork is graded and a passing grade is received, certificates are processed within 24-48 business hours. Once issued, your certificiate will be faxed and mailed to the business address listed on your Test First Page or Portfolio First Page.

Can I receive college credit for completing my NICCM NAC?

You can earn up to 4.5 CEU's for completing the NICCM National Administrator Credential. Contact our office for more information on how to convert your CEU's to college credits.

Regular grading takes 2-3 weeks from when a file arrives and is checked into the office.

Expedited grading is available and takes 24-48 business hours for grading once a file arrives and is checked into the office. Once a passing grade is received, renewal certificates are issued within 24-48 business hours. Registration for Expedited grading

Will I receive a confirmation letter?

If you register at least three weeks prior to any scheduled course, you will receive a confirmation letter in the mail within 2-3 weeks of the event. Additionally, if you are registered for the CDA Fast Track course, you will also receive a confirmation letter by email.

Event information and schedules can be accessed anytime on the Calendar Here.

What do I need to bring with me to class?

You will need a photocopy of your drivers license for all courses.

For NAC Test and Praxis Lab/Tutoring, you will receive an email with a list of suggested documentation within 24-48 business hours of registereing.

For the CDA Fast Track course, you will recieve a list of things we suggest to bring.

How can I check on the status of my paperwork?

1.Track your package with your tracking number to determine the date of delivery. Your package is typically checked into the grader’s office within the next business day.

2.Wait the maximum amount of time for grading (Regular grading takes 2-3 weeks from the office check in date, and Expedited grading is 24-48 business hours.)

3.Watch the mail and fax which you included on your copy of the “First Page of the Test”. Certificates are sent to the business address listed on the "FIrst Page of the Praxis/Test or Portfolio unless otherwise requested on the same form.

If it has been longer than 3 weeks since your packet arrived, you can email the office with your tracking number and the information that it has been more than 3 weeks since it arrived and ask for a certificate update.

How can I request a receipt copy to be mailed or faxed to me?

1. Your name and the name on the credit card used (if different than yours)2. Last 4 digits of credit card used3. What was the receipt for4. A fax number or mailing address where the copy needs to be sent to.

All requests following the above format will be processed within 24-48 hours during regular business days. Failure to include pertinent details needed to process the request can result in the delay of your request being completed.

Does NICCM allow Collaboration on the NAC Praxis?

Yes, NICCM does allow collaboration as long as it is pre-approved by the instructor and is referenced on the praxis question in which the collaboration took place. There should be a clear and distinct difference between the each praxis project.NICCM encourages collaboration and due to our associations with state governments and our high standards of accountability we must maintain a commitment to integrity in all of our students and participants. Therefore cheating cannot be tolerated.What is the definition of Collaboration?Collaboration is working with another or receiving assistance from someone (e.g., a classmate, friend, or parent, whether in person or by electronic media) to complete course work for a grade. Collaboration can include:ØHaving someone else collect your documentation, collate your praxis or do internet research to find documentation or support that will be used to answer a question.ØJointly working on an activity or working to answer a question through brainstorming or reminding each other of specific issues discussed during one of the sessions or units. ØHaving someone else help to rewrite a specific answer through re-wording the thoughts and ideas already established by the original participant.ØSharing resources or documentation for an activity or to answer a question. In such a case the support should be listed in the Praxis.ØWorking in a group on a Praxis assignment.ØChecking answers with others.ØSometimes collaboration may be permitted, other times it is not.

What are the ground rules of Collaboration?

Under the basic and general Codes of Academic Conduct, all work submitted for a grade must be the student’s own original, independent work, unless the instructor permits collaboration, use of sources, or outside assistance.ØIf working with others or receiving assistance is allowed, any help or collaboration must be given credit and cited.ØStudents must comply with the course rules, and may only work together, or receive help, to the extent allowed by the instructor.ØIf unsure about the limits, students must seek the instructor’s permission before working with one another.ØEven if the instructor permits collaboration, it is never ethical to copy someone’s work or let them copy yours.ØIf your instructor asks whether you worked with anyone on an assignment, always tell the truth.ØFailure to notify the instructor in advance in the praxis and/or when initially asked by the instructor is an immediate violation of the code. What are the specific instructions of Collaboration set by NICCM’s Code of Conduct?

In his instructions, the instructor allows collaboration within these guidelines:ØThey were in the tutoring session at the same time. ØThe instructor was available during the time the collaboration was taking place. ØThe participants were open and honest about who they were collaborating with and where. ØSome of the answers may be similar, should be in each participant’s words and should “sound” like that participant. This specifically relates to items of opinion. No two people will have identical opinions on any issue.ØThe participants was actively involved in all the work that was taking place. ØThe participants list the source of all of their help on each answer in which they received help/support.ØThe participant does not “COPY” word for word another participants. answers.ØThe answers are in the participant’s own words and should represent their opinions.

Example:In a Tutoring session, students are allowed to discuss “general concepts,” but all work actually submitted must be “individual work.” Specifically if four students work together in a group, since each of them writes part of the answer(s). Have they broken the rule against unauthorized collaboration?No, “Individual work” means that students must write their own answers. Although portions of the answers submitted by each student were written by the other students – as long as these four wrote all their own answers as assigned it would be allowed as collaboration. In this case the instructor gave them this permission and it was considered a part of the tutoring session.Why limit or prohibit collaboration?

Unauthorized collaboration misrepresents joint work as the work of an individual.ØUnauthorized collaboration gives those who break the rules an unjust advantage and creates unfair competition.ØThose who always work with others are unaware of gaps in their own knowledge and skills, and do not learn all they can or should from their assignments.ØStudents are held accountable for understanding and following class rules — and must ask questions if they are unsure!Conclusion

Although new technologies and communications media make unauthorized collaboration easier than ever, it can be detected. Some students who break the rules might not get caught this time – but next time they will. Unauthorized collaboration is unfair and undermines the educational goals of the Institute. If you have questions about course rules, talk to your instructor.But other students do it...Students referred for unauthorized collaboration sometimes say they didn't know they were breaking the rules (stating, for example, “I didn’t copy, I worked with a group;” “I’ve seen other students doing homework together;” or “I tried to solve the problems by myself and just checked my answers with a friend”). Remember, students must know and follow the standards set by customary rules of conduct. If others break those rules, it doesn’t justify unfair or dishonest conduct: the Code of Academic Conduct requires that students report the misconduct to their instructor or the registrars office.Why can’t I ignore the rules...Some students disregard rules against collaboration because they think they learn more from working with others, because they don’t like the restrictions, because they have been permitted to work in groups in other classes and are used to doing so, or because they get frustrated when they can’t figure out the answer. Students may NOT ignore the course rules for these reasons, nor can they avoid responsibility by saying they never knew there was a rule against working together – ignorance is not a defense.For assistance regarding these issues, please call NICCM at 602-476-1422.

Texas

How do I get my Texas Director Credential (Director Certificate)?

Once you become qualified as a Director and licensing has determined that you have met the minimum standard qualifications for a licensed primary caregiver they will issue a Licensing Child-Care Director's Certificate.

A common way to become Director qualified in Texas is to earn a Texas Director Credential. You can earn a this credential by taking an approved Texas Director Credential course.

NICCM’s National Administrative Credential (NAC) is a National Director Credential and an approved Texas Director Credential. The National Administrative Credential course is offered through live two-and-a-half-day events or through a Distance Learning Program on DVD. Live events are offered every month around the state of Texas and Nationally.

What are the Texas Director Credential Requirements?

A common way to become director qualified in Texas is to have a Texas Director Credential. In order to earn a Texas Director Credential you must take a pre-approved course.

NICCM’s National Administrative Credential is a National Director Credential and an approved Texas Director Credential. The National Administrative Credential course is offered through live 2 and a half day events or through a Distance Learning Program on DVD. Live events are offered every month around the state of Texas and Nationally.

How do I become qualified as a Child Care Director in Texas?

According to Texas Child Care Regulations the director of a child-care center licensed for 13 or more children must be at least 21 years of age, have a high school diploma or its equivalent, and meet an approved combination of education and experience. One of these combinations is a Day-Care Administrators Credential and at least 2 years experience in a licensed child care center. NICCM offers the National Administrative Credential (NAC). This is an approved Day-Care Administrators Credential for the State of Texas as well as being a National Credential.

Minimum Standards for Child-Care Centers

§746.1017 What qualifications must the director of my child-care center licensed for 12 or fewer children meet?

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this division, the director of a child-care center licensed for 12 or fewer children must be at least 21 years old, have a high school diploma or its equivalent, and meet one of the following combinations of education and experience, as defined in §746.1021 of this title (relating to What constitutes experience in a licensed child-care center, or in a licensed or registered child-care home?):

Education

Experience

(1) A bachelor’s degree with 12 college credit hours in child development and six college credit hours in business management,

and at least one year of experience in a licensed child-care center;

(2) An associate’s of applied science degree in child development or a closely related field with six college credit hours in child development and six college credit hours in business management. A “closely related field” is any educational instruction pertaining to the growth, development, physical or mental care, or education of children ages birth through 13 years,

and at least two years of experience in a licensed child- care center;

(3) Sixty college credit hours with nine college credit hours in child development and six college credit hours in business management,

and at least two years of experience in a licensed child- care center;

(4) A child-care administrator’s certificate from a community college with at least 15 college credit hours in child development and three college credit hours in business management,

and at least two years of experience in a licensed child- care center;

(5) A Child Development Associate credential or Certified Child-Care Professional credential with six college credit hours in business management,

and at least two years of experience in a licensed child- care center;

(6) A day-care administrator’s credential issued by a professional organization or educational institution and approved by Licensing based on criteria specified in Subchapter P of Chapter 745 of this title, (relating to Day-Care Administrator’s Credential Program),

and at least two years of experience in a licensed child-care center; or

(7) Nine college credit hours in child development and nine college credit hours in business management,

and at least three years of experience in a licensed child-care center.

Do I have to RENEW my Texas Director Credential?

Yes, In-order remain Texas Director Certified Texas Child Care Regulations require that Director Credentials are renewed on a periodic basis. Each Director Credential Program sets it’s own requirements for renewal. Some credentials have to be renewed every year and others every 2 years.

NICCM’s Texas Director Credential renewal process is simple. The National Administrative Credential is a 2 year renewable Credential. There is no fee for renewal. A current credential holder only needs to meet the following requirements for renewal and submit their application.

Notify NICCM of any changes in job position, employer or contact information.

Show proof that you have met your states training requirement for each year, with at least 10 hours of training having been received from NICCM during the 2 you have been credentialed.

Florida Staff & Director Credentials

How do I become Child Care Director qualified in Florida?

How do I earn a Florida Director Credential (Director Certificate)?

According to the Florida Director Credential Application, applicants must complete an “Overview of Child Care Management Course” or a Director Credential issued by another state, subject to approval by the Florida Child Care Director Credential Program and meets the core requirements.

State of Florida Director Credential CORE REQUIREMENTS

High School Diploma or G.E.D.

30 Hour Part I Department of Children and Families’ Introductory Child Care Training SCHOOL-AGE APPLICANTS may substitute training for Child Growth and Development and Behavioral Observation and Screening pursuant to 65C-22.008(4)(c)5., F.A.C.)

At least eight hours of in-service training regarding children with disabilities. The Department of Children and Families’ Special Needs Appropriate Practice course will meet this requirement.

What is required to RENEW my Florida Director Credential?

Florida Director Credential Holders must renew their Credential every 5 years in order to maintain their Florida Director Certification.

The State of Florida requires 3 things:

1. An active staff credential documented on CF-FSP Form 5206.

2. 4.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Now NAC Approved by T.E.A.C.H!

NICCM offers a course that meets the educational requirement for Florida Director Credential Renewal. The National Administrative Credential (NAC) Course will give you the 4.5 CEU’s needed to renew your Florida Director Credential and will also earn you a National Directors Credential. NICCM's NAC Course can be completed through a live 2 and a half day weekend course or through the Distance Learning Program on DVD.

Child Care Training Transcript will be used verify an active staff credential.

Section 7 Educational Requirement:

Training must be completed through one of the following:

4.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) – training certificates must clearly list the number of CEUs awarded and the date earned.

Three college credit hours from an accredited or U.S. Department of Education recognized institution – copy of college transcript documenting the semester and year the college credits were earned. If the subject area and age range is not clear on the transcript, please include a course description provided by the university or college in which you attended the training.

Forty-five clock hours completed at a Florida Career Education Center (public vocational or technical school), Florida Community Colleges, or an institution licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education.

Training must be completed within last five years. In-service hours, non-vocational class hours, or coursework previously submitted to earn an initial/renewal credential will not be accepted. Training must be under any of the following topic areas:

Overview of Child Care Management (cannot be the same course used for initial credential)

Child Care and Education Leadership and Management

Child Care and Education Financial and Legal Issues

Child Care and Education Programming

Section 8 Professional Contribution Requirement:

One of the following professional contribution activities must be completed within last five years:

Make a presentation in the field of early childhood or school-age education at a conference, association meeting, coalition meeting, or teach courses through an educational institution such as a college or career- technical center. (Documentation must include a copy of the presentation, agenda, syllabus AND sign-in sheet, class roster or conference brochure.)

Serve as an officer, committee member, consultant, or mentor in a professional organization related to the field of early childhood or school-age education. (Documentation must include proof of role in organization, including length of time involved and duties. Letter should be from the organization, client, or person being mentored. Membership alone does not satisfy this requirement.)

Publish an article related to the field of early childhood or school-age education in a professional journal, professional newsletter, newspaper article, letter to the newspaper editor, or book. (Documentation must include a copy of the published article and proof of publication such as the journal, newsletter, etc. Blog type activities do not satisfy this requirement.)

Participate in an educational research project related to early childhood or school-age education. (Documentation must include proof participation was at least three months in the research project.)

Serve as a validator or advisor for a Florida-recognized accreditation program, as a National Child Development Associate (CDA) advisor, or as a school-age certification representative for the Florida Child Care Professional Credential School-Age Program. (Documentation must include completion of one validation or accreditation visit.)

Serve as an editor or reviewer for a professional journal or book. (Documentation must include proof of completion of review such as letter from publisher.)

Participate in a rule development workshop for a governmental agency. (Documentation must include proof of active participation at the rule workshop from agency holding workshop and include information shared. Active participation requires providing information for change, rationale for change, providing written suggestions, or sharing information or opinions on proposed rule.)

How do I earn a Florida Staff Credential?

According to Florida licensing regulations you must meet one of 4 educational requirements to receive a Florida Staff Credential. One of the quickest and most cost effective ways to meet this requirement is to take NICCM’s CDA Fast Track 2.0 class and earn your National Child Development Associate (CDA). The CDA Fast Track 2.0 class can be taken through a live 3-day event or through the Distance Learning Program from home.

A staff member with one of the qualifications listed below will be issued a CF-FSP 5206, April 06, Staff Credential Verification form. A copy of this form must be kept in the employee's personnel file.

National Early Childhood Certificate - Active National Child Development Associate (CDA) or other early childhood credential that meets or exceeds the requirements of the National CDA and is recognized by regulatory agencies in at least five (5) states. Recognition is determined by the Department.

Formal Educational Qualifications a) B.A., B.S. or advanced degree in ONE of the following areas: Early Childhood Education/Child Development, Pre-Kindergarten or Primary Education, Preschool Education, Family and Consumer Sciences (formerly Home Economics/Child Development), Exceptional Student Education, Special Education, Mental Disabilities, Specific Learning Disabilities, Physically Impaired, Varying Exceptionalities, Emotional Disabilities, Visually Impaired, Hearing Impaired, Speech-Language Pathology or Elementary Education with certification to teach any age birth through 6th grade (certification may be inactive provided the certificate is not suspended/revoked). b) A.S., A.A. degree or higher in Early Childhood Education/Child Development c) Associate's degree or higher WITH at least six (6) college credit hours in early childhood education/child development AND at least 480 hours experience in a child care setting serving children ages birth through eight (8).

CDA Fast Track

How is the CDA Fast Track course only 3 days when others are a full semester?

The CDA Fast Track course takes a fresh approach to helping students become CDA qualified. Rather than using a standard cookie cutter method that other courses use we treat each student as an individual taking into account their previous experience and education.

The CDA Fast Track Course is 20-24 during a 3-day weekend. This maximizes productivity and comprehension. In other semester long courses students attend class on average 32 hours or less. Other CDA classes are often taught in 1 hour increments therefore class time is continually interrupted.

As an added benefit CDA Fast Track attendees have access to their instructor/mentor for up to 3 months after the course.

Consulting Services

During the past decade, Bradley Smith has lead HandPrint Productions to become the leader in consulting of childcare business practices. This includes: fiscal management, enrollment management, marketing, human resource, small business issues, and leadership. In addition, the services include help with specific issues concerning handling sensitive issues to avoid fall-out or minimize the likelihood of litigation. Currently, consulting services are available including: on demand, monthly access, 30 day, long distance, on-site, and extended services. In addition, career and business coaching and mentoring services are also available. Contact usfor more information or to schedule a consult. We guarantee your satisfaction!